SYA hosts regional level 1 sailing coaching course |16 January 2024
Instructor Ellis, Messrs Gopal and Alcindor, Ms Hoffman and Mrs Alcindor in a souvenir photo with the course participants (Photo: Neil Sirame)
The Seychelles Yachting Association in collaboration with the Seychelles Olympic and Commonwealth Games Association, Olympic Solidarity and World Sailing is running a week-long level one coaching course.
The opening ceremony was held yesterday morning at the Olympic House, Roche Caïman and the course coordinator is Rebecca Ellis, an experienced and qualified coach instructor from World Sailing in the United Kingdom.
Seychelles Olympic and Commonwealth Games Association (Socga) president Antonio Gopal officially opened the course in the presence of Ms Ellis, Socga secretary general Alain Alcindor, Seychelles Yachting Association (SYA) members Chantal Hoffmann and Hebettty Alcindor, Ruddy Joseph of the National Sports Council (NSC), Lauraine Etienne from sponsor Nouvobanq and the nine participants.
Among the nine participants are two representatives from the Mauritius Yachting Association – Danny Ramaswal and Julien Lemontagnard.
Addressing the attendees, Ms Hoffmann said: “Your presence here today demonstrates your desire to not only learn and grow, but more importantly qualify to be able to teach someone to sail.”
She added that this coaching course could not have been possible if it was not for the firm support of the Seychelles Olympic and Commonwealth Games Association (Socga) and the Olympic Solidarity which funded the programme. “This generous sponsorship clearly illustrates their confidence in the SYA to develop world class sailors and for that we thank you,” said Ms Hofmann.
Emphasising on the importance of the course, Ms Hoffmann mentioned that it is a chance for them to challenge themselves and broaden their perspective. “The course is an important event for all of us, as it will provide valuable insights to our education and future careers as we have gathered on of the most knowledgeable and experienced professional to do so,” said Ms Hoffmann.
On the same note, she also took a moment to appreciate the hard work, dedication and time spent by the organisers as they worked tirelessly to ensure that everything runs smoothly and efficiently.
To conclude, Ms Hoffman thanked all the participants for taking up the opportunity, adding that she hopes they make the most of the course. “I am excited to hear the presentations and participate in the interactive sessions and I look forward to the discussions and connections that will be made,” said Ms Hoffman.
Speaking to the attendees, coaching instructor Rebecca Ellis said these sessions are about learning, networking and growing the sport of sailing in Seychelles and the region.
“The seven days will be about learning the skills; how to be an instructor and hopefully help you build your network and your own programme so you can influence more children and adults to join sailing in Seychelles,” said Ms Ellis.
For his part, Socga president Gopal said sports in Seychelles has for many years now been inviting international instructors to share their knowledge with us.
“I remember long ago when I was practicing sports we did not have great knowledge in sports and expats had to come to provide us with the insights and today this continues with the same goal of wanting to develop further. I thank you Rebecca for helping us develop those who seek coaching to help the next generation,” said Mr Gopal.
World Sailing is the world governing body for the sport of sailing recognised by the International Olympic Committee and the International Paralympic Committee.
The practical sessions are being held on Cerf Island since the Sails Training Scheme remains closed.
Neil Sirame